Blow for Chelsea as French defender reaches ‘agreement’ to extend stay at current club

Transfer News: Chelsea target Theo Hernandez set to renew his contract with AC Milan

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com (h/t the Mirror), Theo Hernandez is seeking to stay at AC Milan by renewing his contract despite strong interest from Chelsea. 

Chelsea have been on the back foot due to the injury to first-choice left-back Ben Chilwell in November. Thomas Tuchel tried and seemingly failed to tackle the situation with short-term covers. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Saul Niguez, and Malang Sarr all made cameos in that position.

But it has been clear that they failed to replicate Chilwell’s influence. And with the Englishman set to miss the rest of the season, it is imperative that we look for a quality solution down that flank.

Chelsea were believed to be keen on signing AC Milan star Theo Hernandez, whose current contract ends in the summer. There was also interest from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. But now, it is believed that the French star is eyeing to extend his stay with the Rossoneri. 

No Theo for Chelsea?

AC Milan have reached an agreement for a renewal with the left-back until 2026. The Italian club’s sporting director Paolo Maldini played a crucial role in convincing the French star to stay at the club. 

Despite Chelsea recalling Kenedy from the loan spell, the lack of depth in the left-back role remains just as glaring as it was at the start of this window. Marcos Alonso is the only senior player adept at naturally playing as a left wing-back.

He might require a breather during a busy schedule, and without the services of the Spaniard, our team wouldn’t be able to attack the left side of the pitch with the same intensity.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund and PSG boss has himself managed Alonso’s playing time recently as he knows an injury to Alonso would be a hammer blow to our season. And that is the reason why we have seen players like Sarr and Saul play in that position.

More Chelsea News

• Transfer News: Chelsea face Armando Broja decision in the summer
• Chelsea on alert as Ronald Araujo rejects Barcelona contract extension
• Luke Chadwick warns Chelsea against signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele

Hernandez would have been an astute addition. If he wasn’t to renew his deal at San Siro, his potential suitors would have been in a strong position to negotiate and exit. But now, that looks like a distant dream.

We would be wise to move our focus to other alternatives. The transfer window is set to end next week and signing a quality left-back would be a massive relief for Thomas Tuchel and the fans.